A Pattern for change
5% OF ALL SEAGRASS PATTERNED PRODUCT SALES FROM ROOSTER® GO DIRECTLY TO PROJECT SEAGRASS, FUNDING SEAGRASS BED RESTORATION AND CONSERVATION
As part of our mission to improve our impact on the water, alongside our Seagrass pattern launch, we are donating 5% of all seagrass product sales to globally operating charity Project Seagrass. Project Seagrass is committed to the conservation of seagrass ecosystems and ensuring that the benefits they provide communities are sustained now and for the future.
Why Seagrass?
Seagrass meadows are critical to the survival of every living thing on Earth. Seagrasses produce oxygen, clean our coastal water, absorb greenhouse gas emissions, and help to keep our ocean healthy which stabilises the climate —both globally and locally. Not to mention, seagrass supports or provides habitat for 1000’s of species of fish, invertebrates, birds, reptiles and mammals, and supports the livelihoods for millions of people.
Seagrass beds act as nursery areas, providing protection for juvenile fish including commercially important species. They also host a variety of invertebrates, worms and shellfish, and provide a valuable food source for grazing wildfowl. The two native species of seahorse are also shown to have a strong association with seagrass in the southern UK. Seagrass meadows can also reduce seabed erosion as their roots bind the sediment in place, helping to defend the coastline.
Boating Threatens Seagrass
Careless boating practices can result in damage to seagrass beds such as prop scarring and blow outs. Damage may only take seconds to create, but seagrass recovery takes years, resulting in environmental and economic losses. Below are some of the ways that boats have been known to damage seagrass:
| VESSEL GROUNDING | If this occurs on a seagrass bed it can uproot the plants, damaging the bed in localised areas. Stay in deeper water, avoid going near shallower areas where seagrass is likely to be. |
|---|---|
| PROPELLER WASH |
Scouring of the seabed and disturbance from wash can damage, dislodge and smother plants. In areas of heavy boat traffic this can lead to clearly visible scarring of the seagrass bed. Use a push pole or trolling motor in shallow water to avoid possibly shredding the seagrass’ roots. If you are leaving a muddy trail behind your boat, you are probably cutting seagrass so go back the way you came, using a pole instead of the engine. |
| ANCHORING | Anchoring, dragging and boat wash can all have a negative effect on the seabed. Frequently used anchorages can often suffer from denuding and scarring. Familiarise yourself with the local waters and know where seagrass is so you stay clear of it. |
| MOORING | Fixed moorings within seagrass beds can cause scarring and scouring and a reduction in the levels of marine life supported by the sediment as the chain drags on the seabed at low tide.. |
If you live near the coast or along a river, be careful when applying fertilisers and pesticides to your lawn.
Where Are the Seagrass Beds?
Seagrass Spotter is a conservation and education tool for tracking seagrass meadows around the globe. Help us conserve our coastlines by uploading your own seagrass sightings. |
|---|
